Chicago Alliance
of Visual Artists
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CAVA is a volunteer not-for-profit organization founded in 1988 to serve artists aged 50+. We're dedicated to giving our over 300 members throughout Chicagoland the opportunity to exhibit artwork in at least three exhibits annually in such notable venues as the Chicago Cultural Center, Evanston Art Center, Bridgeport Art Center, Beverly Arts Center, and the Leslie Wolfe Gallery in Old Town.
Creating art can be a solitary occupation—CAVA organizes and presents events for older artists to come together through its exhibitions, salons, member luncheons, workshops, annual Symposium, and special events. For more information, visit our CONTACT page, and sign up for our e-newsletter.
CAVA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
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Exhibit in the Annual Members Show;
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Enter the juried Later Impressions exhibition;
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Engage in various group and media-focused exhibitions
we organize throughout the Chicago area; -
Participate in membership social and educational programs, including our Salon/Critique Events; CAVA's Intergenerational Projects; Artist Studio Visits; and the annual CAVA Symposium.
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FEATURED CAVA ARTIST
Art has been a passion throughout
SUE TURAYHI's life from an early age, guiding her through adventures, challenges, and struggles. Her enthusiasm for connecting words, images, and color led her to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Baghdad, and to later earn a Bachelor of Art in Design from the University of Illinois. “My journey and progress through these artistic environments has allowed me to create authentic, soulful art that resonates with everyday life,” says Sue. “I believe in the power of art, writing, and speaking to forge deep emotional connections with others.”
Awakening Wings, oil, acrylic, collage
One of her early influences is Julia Cameron, author of seminal creative book The Artist’s Way, whose words “The creative process is a process of surrender, not control” had a profound impact on Sue’s artistic line of inquiry.
Child's Melody, acrylic on canvas
Sue explores various styles and techniques in her artistic practice, and enjoys encountering the results from using different materials, including oil, acrylic, ink, pastel, watercolor, and mixed media. “Whether it’s portraiture, abstract, illustrations, floral, or architectural designs, my work is driven by the inspiration to translate stories into visual art that touches the soul,” she says. “I’m always open to new challenges, and I strive to always embrace the power of imagination.”
Whispers of the Forest, oil and acrylic underlayer
To fond out more about Sue, and see more of her artwork, CLICK HERE.